Luka Doncic has thanked Los Angeles Lakers fans for their “open arms” welcome and pledged to “give everything I have to all of you” after signing a three-year, $165 million extension.
The Lakers acquired Doncic, 26, from the Dallas Mavericks in February in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, teaming up with talisman LeBron James, who will return for a 23rd campaign in the 2025/26 season.
Slovenian Doncic, who had a player option for 2026/27 under his previous terms, has given up free agency next summer and is giving $5m to help 77 young athletes around the world “chase their dreams”.
“I just signed my extension with the Lakers,” Doncic told his millions of social media followers. “Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud.
From day one, you’ve welcomed me and my family with open arms,” Doncic told his fans. “Playing for this city is an honor.
“I’m proud to contine wearing the purple and gold and fighting for championships in LA. I will give everything I have to all of you.
“Grateful to the Lakers, my teammates and all the fans who’ve shown so much love since day one. This is just the beginning.
“I’m also committing $5m to help 77 young athletes around the world chase their dreams, just like I did. Basketball gave me everything and I’m lucky to be able to give back and help the next generation.
Five-time All-NBA nominee and five-time All-Star Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game last season.
In a revered pairing with James, Doncic helped LA enter the Western Conference play-offs as the third seeds.
The 6ft 6in former Real Madrid guard will feel he has unfinished business after the Lakers’ 4-1 defeat in the first round to the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Today is a monumental moment for our franchise,” said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. “Luka is one of the game’s most transcendent players, and his on-court dominance and passion is without compare.
“From the moment Luka became a Laker, there was an immediate connection and admiration between Luka and our fanbase. You can feel it in your spirit when you attend a game.
A new-look Doncic will return to pre-season training after spending the summer working on a rigorous fitness regime in Croatia.
Despite being one of the leading lights in the NBA since debuting in 2018, Doncic has faced regular jibes over his physique and lack of conditioning.
The perceived issue was even cited as a reason for Doncic’s injury-plagued 2024/25, in which he played a career-low 50 games.
Doncic reportedly contacted his manager the day after the Lakers’ season ended, informing her of his desire to return to Europe and improve his fitness.
The results have been remarkable, with Doncic looking visibly leaner in a series of photos published alongside a lengthy interview in Men’s Health Magazine.
“Just visually, I would say my whole body looks better,” he reflected.
Doncic was prevented from playing basketball for a month and was subjected to lengthy gym work as well as a gluten-free, low-sugar diet that includes intermittent fasting and at least 250 grams per day of protein.
“Every summer, I try my best to work on different things,” he told the publication. “Obviously, I’m very competitive.
“This summer was just a little bit different, you know. It kind of motivated me to be even better.
“This year, with my team, I think we did a huge step. But this is just the start. I need to keep going. Can’t stop.”
